Autumn Travels: Discover the Magic of Prague

Their history is studded with events of random defenestration and for that reason, (among others) Prague had my full attention. Once upon a time, the leaders of their society had such a bad day that they decided to take an obvious solution: throw their enemies out the window. I know this was cruel, and too bad for you if you were the one being thrown out, but if this was made legal nowadays, life would be so much simpler. Because today, idiots just seem to be everywhere – but so are windows. Problem. Solved.

On a serious note though, Prague is a beautiful city with a history that is just as colorful. So colorful indeed that some of the truth got mixed with a couple of myths and the interesting part is – it could still be hard to tell which is which. When travelling, I have always considered a day trip into the itinerary but this time I was too smitten to go away even for a day. I ended up staying there all week, day by day walking along Old Town and ravishing random street food I could find. Smiling at random strangers and finding delight in the talent of the street performers. The beautiful architecture, abundantly consumed beer and the meat-based diet made it hard for me to leave – so hard indeed that I never looked back to say goodbye as my plane flew back to London. But if there is any truth about the plate of St. John of Nepomuk in Charles Bridge, then farewells were not yet in order anyway.

With the -ber months here once again marking the start of a new season, the warm air has dissipated and there is finally relief from heat wave season. In so many ways, Autumn is a great time to travel, not only because of the pleasantly cool weather but also because of the beautiful landscapes and views undergoing seasonal transformation. This may as well be the best time of year to travel around Europe. And if you’ve never been to Prague, then why not make it your destination this fall? Here are a few things I adored about the city that come highly recommended!

1.Old Town Square

Dreamy scenario captured in Old Town Prague

Almost constantly buzzing with tourists is Prague’s Old Town Square, a place that resounds of places we thought only existed in fairy tales. There is never enough space between the tourists and the random street performers trying to earn a buck or two. But there is a reason for all that chaos. Surrounded by structures rich with stunning composition and historical affiliations, Old Town is simply magnetic.

Some of the buildings surrounding Old Town PragueOld Town Hall

2.Astronomical Clock

Among Europe’s iconic landmarks is Prague’s Astronomical Clock – a clock that has a rather whimsical and medieval appearance. But being the world’s oldest working clock is enough excuse for this. It stirs into life every hour with its much awaited mechanical show of the Apostles and figurines. This makes it a tourist hotspot every time the hour hits its last few minutes. The mechanical show itself may fall below the expectations of gawking tourists, but the clock’s design, together with its history and context, still makes it worthwhile for curious travelers like me.

3.Prague Castle / St. Vitus Cathedral

Prague Castle as seen from Charles Bridge

Prague Castle is the largest ancient castle in the world that is still in operation. It is undeniably an important symbol to those who live in Prague and remains relevant even in today’s times by being the Official Residence of the President. It is best described as a castle complex, comprising of various grandiose buildings and palaces. I found this a truly beautiful destination, with stunning architecture and such lush gardens that offer unparalleled views across Prague.

Overlooking view of the cityClockwise from left uppermost image: Castle Courtyard, St. Vitus Cathedral, Statue of St. John of Nepomuk and rear view of St Vitus Cathedral.

4.Charles Bridge

Charles Bridge

Next to churches, I have always admired bridges across Europe. Among my personal favorites are Ponte Vecchio in Florence, the Szechenyi Chain Bridge of Budapest and of course London’s Tower Bridge. In my country, I equated bridges with being dilapidated, low – cost or unnecessarily blundered with a politician’s name from end to end in all caps. It was therefore a pleasant surprise that in this part of the world, they have become one of the things I look forward to, enchanted by the charm it adds to a city’s ambiance. I find that it lends over a dreamy factor because it usually crosses a body of water. Prague’s Charles Bridge is no exemption indeed, rich with detailed architecture that is truly one of a kind. Guarding it bilaterally are Baroque statues that usually represent something significant from history, one of which is St. John of Nepomuk. Touching his plate supposedly garners good luck and ensures your return to the city of Praha.

Charles Bridge as seen from the banks of Vltava River. The plate of St. John of Nepomuk is one of the highlights of the bridge, attracting tourists from all over. Notice how the color has changed in the middle due to the number of tourists rubbing the famous landmark. It is said that touching this ensures a traveler’s return to Prague in the future.

5.Czech Cuisine

Prague’s food scene is brilliant and even more so if you are a fan of a highly carnivorous diet. I am talking about delicious slabs of meat, succulent, juicy and not necessarily in healthy portions. I especially adored the Roasted Pork Knuckle and the traditional Medovnik Cake. More details about my favorite Czechia Foodhere.

6.Lesser Town

Streets of Lesser Town

If you are looking for a little freedom from the hoards of tourists trooping around then Lesser Town Prague just might do the trick. Sure, you’d still find a tourist here and there but not in volumes that they are in Old Town Square. Walking around Lesser Town is a great way to get a closer look at Prague and appreciate its streets, hidden corners and medieval charm. Be sure to find and drop by St. Nicholas Church.

Viajera Travel Tip: Food is cheaper in Lesser Town so be sure to feast upon some delicious Czechia food!

St. Nicholas Church

7.Vltava River

The calm currents of Vltava

Overflowing with a sense of tranquil, the Vltava is one of the highlights of my journey in Prague. It is almost romantic, how this river cascades so placidly, evoking thoughts about how in the end, things always fall in the right places. Because destiny. Because no matter how chaos we generate in this world, the unseen forces of the universe somehow always win.
Walking along Charles Bridge, one can already admire panoramic views of the river but it is best appreciated aboard one of the boat tours. There is the option of booking a lunch or dinner cruise, but as an alternative an hour long cruise without food is also available. Discovering Prague from this vantage point gives you a chance to see the city from a different angle and could prove to be a great opportunity for taking truly unique photographs. Be sure not to miss this!

Autumn is undeniably a great time for travel. The trees are painted with various shades of yellow and brown, the landscapes panning out in glorious fiery colors. Personally, I love traveling during fall because the views are just outstanding. This season doesn’t just prepare the world for winter – it acts as a constant reminder of how some truly elegant things emerge from change. Wherever life takes us, the beauty of it is in how we can always look forward to the good things that are yet to come. Ultimately, this makes it the most important journey each and every one of us if ever going to make. And for as long as we are unsure as to whether there are future lifetimes ahead for us to live, then make the one you are in right now count. Because I still believe that if we live this one right, this one – way ticket is all we are ever going to need.

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Where are you headed off this Autumn? I’d love to hear from you in the comments!